6 Best Online Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania

There's a wide array of online nursing degree programs for aspiring nurses looking to advance their careers while balancing their busy lives in Pennsylvania.

Whether you're a certified registered nurse seeking to enhance your skills or a prospective nurse practitioner aiming to specialize, the Keystone State has reputable options to consider.

Best Online Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has emerged as a hub for healthcare education, with an increasing number of institutions offering online nursing programs, including online RN to BSN programs.

These Pennsylvania online nursing degrees cater to the varied needs of aspiring nurses, enabling them to earn their degrees while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

1. West Chester University

At West Chester University, nursing professionals can find the perfect opportunity to advance their careers through two key programs.

The RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses looking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

The online curriculum is structured to accommodate working nurses and provides the flexibility needed to balance education with work commitments.

The MSN program is primarily offered online, allowing nurses to pursue advanced education without upending their schedules.

While most coursework can be completed remotely, some classes may require occasional in-person attendance.

2. Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University offers a variety of online nursing programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of nursing professionals.

The RN-to-BSN program is designed to help registered nurses earn their BSN degree online. The curriculum is designed to enhance clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.

For those aspiring to become family nurse practitioners, the MSN family nurse practitioner program provides specialized training to serve individuals across various life stages.

The online setup makes it convenient for working nurses to pursue their career goals.

3. Cedar College Crest

Cedar College Crest offers a range of online nursing programs designed to empower nursing professionals to excel in various roles within the healthcare sector.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNs (BS-RN) is tailored for registered nurses seeking to complete their BSN degree, enabling them to take their careers to the next level.

Cedar College Crest provides several MSN specializations, including:

• nurse administrator
• nurse educator
• family/individual across the lifespan nurse practitioner
• adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner

While primarily online, these programs incorporate mandatory on-campus immersions for hands-on training.

4. Bloomsburg University

Bloomsburg University offers a comprehensive selection of online nursing programs catering to registered nurses looking to polish their skills and advance in their careers. Some notable offerings include:

The RN-BSN program enables registered nurses to earn their BSN degrees online, providing a convenient pathway for professional growth.

For those with ambitious career goals, the RN-BSN-MSN pathway offers a streamlined path from RN to BSN to MSN, allowing nurses to achieve their master's degrees efficiently.

Bloomsburg University provides various MSN specializations, all available online including:

• nursing administration
• nursing informatics
• public health nursing

5. Drexel University

Drexel University is known for its innovative online educational approach.

For nursing professionals, Drexel offers:

• RN to BSN
• RN-BSN-MSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor Of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Aimed at registered nurses, the BSN programs offer a path to obtain a BSN degree while benefiting from Drexel's renowned faculty and curriculum.

With specialties like nurse education and faculty role, leadership in health systems management, and nursing innovation, Drexel's MSN programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.

6. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University's World Campus is an online hub that offers a suite of nursing programs:

• RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nurse administrator
• MSN in nurse education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

With a primary focus on nurse administrator and nurse educator roles, Penn State ensures that its graduates are well-equipped for leadership positions.

Other Online Nursing Programs

While Pennsylvania is a great option for online nursing education, there are other prominent institutions across the U.S. that offer top-tier online nursing programs. These include some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online. Here are some standout schools.

Johns Hopkins University

MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership

Johns Hopkins is renowned for its health programs. The MSN specialization is geared towards nurses aiming to lead healthcare innovations, with a curriculum focusing on leadership, policy, and informatics.

DNP Executive Program

• adult-gerontological acute care np
• adult-gerontological primary care np
• family primary care np
• pediatric primary care np
• pediatric dual primary/acute care np
• psychiatric mental health np

Note that while most of the programs are offered online, there are some in-person immersion required for proper training.

University of Florida

RN to BSN Program

Ideal for registered nurses looking to earn a bachelor's degree, this program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to improve patient outcomes and enhance nursing leadership skills.

MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

This program prepares nurses to provide primary care for families, from infants to the elderly. Its online nature ensures flexibility for working professionals.

University of Texas at Arlington

Online Accelerated BSN Program

This fast-track program is designed for those who already have a university degree in another field and want to transition into nursing. It combines online coursework with clinical experiences.

MSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Focused on child healthcare, this program equips nurses with the skills needed to diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions in pediatric patients.

Ohio State University

Online RN to BSN Completion

Ohio State's program is designed for registered nurses to complete their BSN in a flexible online environment, emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership in the healthcare setting.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online

This advanced degree program focuses on the practical application of research-based knowledge in the clinical setting. It offers multiple tracks, including Clinical Expert, Nurse Executive, and Innovation Leadership.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's online nursing degree programs are as diverse as the nurses they train.

Students can find programs ranging from an associate degree in nursing (ADN) for entry-level positions to a BSN for registered nurses looking to broaden their career opportunities. Furthermore, there are also traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs that allow learners to take more control of their learning.

For people who are looking for more specialized roles, an MSN is a great option for specialized roles and even a DNP for those aiming for the pinnacle of clinical practice or leadership roles.

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

Educational requirements for nurses in Pennsylvania vary based on the level of study. Typically, an ADN requires a high school diploma or GED and is a two-year program.

A BSN typically takes four years of full-time study but can be completed sooner by RNs through bridge programs.

MSN programs require a BSN and usually take two to three years to complete.

For those pursuing a DNP, a master's degree is generally needed, and it can take three to four years of further study.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Pennsylvania

Upon completing a nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to practice in Pennsylvania.

Additional requirements include criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, and continued education throughout their career to maintain the license.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

Embarking on your Pennsylvania online nursing degree journey is more than just advancing your education, it's about embracing a future filled with promise, innovation, and commitment to the healthcare community.